The freeman. (Parkersburg, W. Va.) 1886-18??, 1887-07-13
WITHIN THE WALLS.
A Big Fourth In the Pen1-
Tertiary.
Hoau The Prisoners Celebrated indie.
pemdemce Day.
WEST VIRGINIA PENITENTIARY,
July, 4th, 1887.

west VIRGINIA PENITENTIARY,
July, 4th, 1887.
EIIToR FREEMAN
You will no doubt be expecting
to hear from "Within the Walls"
eince the jubllation of the GLORIOUS
Fourth" and as we did have a
really grand time perhaps some Of
your readers will find pleasure in a
brief review of the days enjoy
ments.
The Program consisted of patri-
otto and Temperance orations,
select readings, Rotations, ETC.,
enlivened with patriotic and other
appropriate aongs, and everybody
seemed delighted with the happy
manner in which all the parts
were carried out.
There never was present on any
prison gala day near 30 many visl-
tors as graced the hall on this oc.
casion. Around the music stand
and on the galleries it was literally
packed, and the spectacle was
made beautiful because of 80 many
smiling faces.
The speakers all made a good
impression, as was heartily evinc-
ed by frequent applause aud other
manifestations of delight, while
the surprise of the earaptured au-
dience in the somewhat unlocked
for flights of eloquepce was some
thing grand to behold, for every
heart was filled with pleasant emo
tions. The singing, by a double
quartet trained for the occasion,
was beautiful and soul-stirring, full
of life and melody lifting up the
heart in lofty aspirations.
Much of the success of the en-
tertainment is due to the kindness
of Miss Ella Israel and her sisters
in training the quartet on the
evenings of the previous week, and
the prisoners do appreciate with
greatful hearts the helps and kind
nees thus shown to them.
On this day Miss Ella delighted
the audience with sweet, SOFT
touches on the organ, and while
enrApturing strains of melody
flyated out through the spacious
hall, the inspirating songs fred up
the hearts with patriotic exulta-
ton. If the orators thunders can
catch songs of liberty from the
poets soul music, is it any wonder
our hearts were filled with joyous
enthusiasm in our National glory,
while we listened to each inspirat-
ing note of sweet and touching
melody?
The celebration of Independence
Day 1887 "within the walls" was
far in advance of anything of that
character ever before presented in
the prison. There was no mistake
it was joyous day to all present
and | am sure the prisoners feel
grateful to our excellent Superin-
tendent, Mr.. Robertson, and the
guard, Capt. Johnson, for the en-
courag cement and indulgences
granted, and the kindly considera-
ton and indefatigable zeal mani
tested to make the celebration
success. And it was proud sue.
cess, a credit to the prisoners, and
does honor to the institution.
The Guards are also entitled to
thanks for extending a helping
hand whenever they could do so
consistently with their duty.
The whole affair ended with a
right "royal FEAST of luscious
CHI cken, pies and cakes,topped off
with delicious ice-cold lemonade;
and it is not necessary to say that
this part of the program was also
gladly and vigorously carried out
and enjoyed by every prisoner;
At supper we also had ice-cold
lemonade and ginger bread to
match, and we did have really
enjoyable day.
was glad to grasp the hand Of
eye editor" on that morning for |
have long had a desire to look in
20 the countenance of the man who
could strike out from week to week
his fearless blows against the Sa-
loon. And [ say and pray success
toyou.